Industry and academic experts recently highlighted the need for continuous learning to stay relevant in an AI-driven economy, at the 7th National Convention of the Government, Academe, and Industry Network (GAIN) on Oct. 4 at the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center.
The gathering underscored the role of upskilling and reskilling as organizations increasingly adopt AI.
“Skills are the new currency of future jobs,” said Kennon Harrison Jr., head of Corporate Workforce Partnerships at ETS. “Updating skills through upskilling and reskilling is essential.
The convention brought together industry leaders, academics, and government officials to discuss collaborative efforts for bridging the gap between the skills students gain in school and the demands of today’s job market.
“Conversations between government, industry, and the academe spark ideas and collaborations that support talent development,” said Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, president of GAIN.
AI’s impact on jobs varies by sector. The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) estimates that 67% of companies in its sector have adopted AI.
“The jury’s still out on the impact of AI, but it’s here to stay. Our responsibility is to upskill and reskill,” Jack Madrip, president of IBPAP.
GAIN shared its mission of equipping Filipinos with globally competitive skills highlighting the importance of targeted training programs like the GAIN SGEN Reading Program and an English for Tagalog Speakers course on Duolingo, which help Filipino talents gain a competitive edge in an evolving workforce.